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Rep. Thaddeus McCotter

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary life of Kent Morton and to mourn him upon his passing at the age of 28.

Born on June 12, 1983, Kent Morton was a gregarious man with a ready smile. He loved his close-knit family and called his older brother Shane his best friend. Kent was a man who was always willing to help in any way he could. He was happily involved in his Garden City community and spent many hours as a PTA volunteer at Lathers Elementary School where his daughter Makayla is a student. He often used his formidable painting skills to help beautify his church.

Regrettably, on January 11, 2012, Kent Morton fell more than 100 feet from the painters' scaffolding on the Ambassador Bridge into the frigid Detroit River. Although he did survive the initial fall, he could not survive the strong current and passed from this earthly world to his eternal reward. He is survived by his beloved parents, Fawn and Mario Salvatore, and father David Morton. He leaves a legacy in his adored daughter, Makayla, and an unborn child. His treasured siblings, Shane, Amber, Bret and Sarah will forever carry Kent in their hearts. He will be deeply missed by his cherished fiancee Kristi Waltsgott and many family members and friends.

Mr. Speaker, Kent Morton is remembered as a loving father, a compassionate son, a devoted brother and an admired friend. Kent was a man who deeply treasured his family, friends, community and his country. Today, as we bid Kent farewell, I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning his passing and honoring his devotion to his country and his community.